Jacob Mudenda Fumes As MPs Attends Parliament Without iPads
Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda expressed his disappointment on Wednesday when it turned out most of the MPs did not have their iPads during the virtual question and answer session.
New Zimbabwe reports that Mudenda Mudenda has warned the MPs that if they do not bring their laptops they risk being blocked from making any contributions to parliament business.
He said there was no excuse for the MPs not to bring the gadgets because they were given last year so that they can use them for parliament business.
After the introduction of virtual sittings as a measure to limit physical sittings due to the Covid-19 threat, iPads for all MPs in both the Senate and the lower house were purchased.
Mudenda’s frustration follows Zanu PF’s Magunje MP Cecil Kashiri who gave an excuse whilst preparing to make a contribution.
“Honourable Speaker Sir, I am looking for a gadget to use,” said the legislator.
To which Mudenda responded
“No, no wait a minute, wait a minute! We spent a lot of money to purchase iPad for you, these tablets.
The Speaker of Parliament then said next time, any honorable member who does not have a tablet will not be allowed to pose questions.
“Takakutengerai magadgets. Ari kupi (we bought gadgets for you. Where are they)?” said Mudenda to another MP.
It is reported that some of the MPs have never brought the gadgets for use in parliament.
The publication also reports that most MPs have also failed to use the gadgets even after going through the necessary training to operate them.
Both Houses of Parliament resumed sitting this week following a COVID-19-induced break which started in January.
Some civic society organizations had already raised concern that the continued closure of Parliament would affect the crafting of key legislation.
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